Public health is funding is quite diverse—it covers obesity, nutrition, family planning, HIV/AIDS, communicable diseases, tobacco use, and many other issues, and it can be hard to get a handle on approaching potential funders. Of course, that's where this guide comes in.

Inside Philanthropy is closely tracking what public health funders are doing and everything we learn is captured in this guide. All the profiles of funders and program officers here are updated regularly.

The philanthropic arm of the over-50 advocacy group takes a rigorous, evidence-based approach to its grantmaking; funding interests in health include food security, nutrition education and prevention of isolation.

Its focus is nutrition education, research and training that emphasize connections between diet and health. Allen gives in the U.S. and internationally, with extra consideration for its founder's home state of Michigan.

The American Legion Child Welfare Foundation supports the physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being of children in the United States. In the public health space, this funder centers on bullying, family conflict, and youth violence.

The Bank of America Charitable Foundation, the philanthropic arm of the international bank, seeks to “address critical issues facing our neighborhoods and communities,” including the support of healthy food access in cities and states where the bank does business.

The California Endowment’s giving related to public health is relatively broad, covering everything from community safety to student health and wellness. The endowment focuses on 14 neighborhoods across California.

The Cardinal Health Foundation’s main grantmaking priorities in the public health space include prescription drug misuse, health and wellness in local communities, and helping caregivers improve the overall health and wellbeing of young children.

Dreyfus is agnostic about the types of programs it supports—it's open to any U.S.-based 501(c)(3) organization that can make a strong case that Dreyfus support will make a big difference to their public health program.

The Highmark Foundation’s public health grants focus on increased physical activity, improved nutrition, and anti-bullying efforts. Special funding attention is given to childhood obesity and anti-bullying programs.

The W.K. Kellogg Foundation's public health-related giving revolves around food security and the overall health and well-being of children, as well as studying health disparities and closing those disparity gaps.

Run by hedge fund billionaire Daniel S. Loeb and his wife Margaret M. Loeb, this funder gives modestly to a mix of health causes, including reproductive health, wellness, and some traditional disease outfits.

The Smith Trust gives most of its public health grants through its focus areas on the elderly and people with disabilities. It funds programs in 14 states in the Western U.S., as well as British Columbia, Canada.

The charitable arm of UnitedHealth Group supports diverse public health groups concerned with access, outcomes, disease prevention and management, aging, and promotion of active lifestyles in communities.

VNA’s grants focus on home healthcare services, community healthcare services, primary care and chronic disease management, and health promotion. It gives nearly all awards to groups located in Chicago.

The Walmart Foundation awards public health grants toward hunger relief and healthy eating. The foundation also donates a boatload of products. Grants range from $250 up to $250,000. Amounts vary by program.

The Youth Foundation invests in projects that encourage healthy and active lifestyles amongst youth. It also supports organizations that improve or renovate existing buildings, grounds, and equipment that hope to encourage active lifestyles.